Nigeria army says killed 65 'bandits' in single operation

Nigerian security forces have killed at least 65 bandits, including a prominent commander and son of a wanted terrorist leader, during a large-scale military operation in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The offensive, carried out through a coordinated ground and air assault, targeted criminal hideouts in Munhaye village, located behind Kunchin Kalgo. Among those killed was Kachalla Iliya Sarki, a feared bandit kingpin and son of notorious leader Ado Allero.

According to security sources cited by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the intense confrontation began around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and continued for more than seven hours. Troops engaged the armed groups in a prolonged firefight, supported by precision airstrikes that destroyed multiple bandit positions.

The operation dealt a significant blow to armed groups linked to repeated attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling across Zamfara, Katsina, and parts of Kano State.

Sources revealed that Ado Allero had mobilised a large force of fighters in an attempt to counter the advancing troops. The group reportedly deployed around 300 motorcycles carrying armed fighters from the Yan Wari axis, with additional reinforcements arriving from camps associated with another commander, Dankarami Gwaska.

Two other key bandit leaders, identified as Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha, were also killed during the operation. Rasha had recently assumed a leadership role following the death of another commander, Alti, last month.

However, the operation came at a cost, with seven vigilantes supporting the military reportedly losing their lives in the clash.

Following the offensive, Ado Allero is believed to have fled and is currently in hiding in Yankuzu town, as security forces continue pursuit operations across the region.

Sarki, one of the most feared figures among armed groups in Nigeria’s north-west, had been linked to numerous violent attacks and kidnappings. He was previously arrested in Katsina State during the tenure of former governor Aminu Bello Masari but was later released under controversial circumstances reportedly involving the abduction of senior police officers.

Security analysts warn that the killing of Sarki and other senior figures could trigger retaliatory attacks, with concerns that Ado Allero may regroup his fighters in response to the losses.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the operation, but military efforts are ongoing to dismantle remaining armed networks in the region.